This message is mostly intended as a reference of what is NOT considered to be an appropriate message for this forum and contains several examples. The vast majority of people do not even have to read it, since the way they write naturally is perfectly OK.

Please note that we do not have enough resources to moderate each and every message on this site, so please do not use arguments like "Somebody else did it, so I can do it as well".

These are several types of messages that should and will be hidden from the site visitors:

1. Spam.

There is one sample message that I would like to present entirely.

Example:

---------------------------------------------------------------

All together now ...
This reminds me of that great Monty Python sketch and
song that goes a little like this:
Lovely spam, wonderful spa-a-m,
Lovely spam, wonderful Spam,
Spa-a-a-a-a-a-a-am,
Spa-a-a-a-a-a-a-am,
SPA-A-A-A-A-A-A-AM,
SPA-A-A-A-A-A-A-AM,
LOVELY SPAM, LOVELY SPAM,
LOVELY SPAM, LOVELY SPAM,
LOVELY SPA-A-A-A-AM...
SPA-AM, SPA-AM, SPA-AM, SPA-A-A-AM!

----------------------------------------------------------------

This message was posted to 3 newest threads at the same time. After a very careful consideration, it was classified as eh... spam and all 3 messages were deleted. Amazingly it triggered a vivid discussion about Censorship and Freedom of Speech on this forum (notice the capital letters) with promises of personal lawsuits, creation of a companion web site with pictures of handcuffs and skulls with burning red eyes and even an honorable mention of attorney general of Nevada? As a result several people were forced out of the site and started their own creatively designed forum where they practice their vision of Freedom of Speech that embraces messages like the posting above.

I will not be surprised if several generations of Freedom of Speech fighters will be raised on this epic moment.

2. Trolling.

Example: All of you are asshоles.

Trolling is common for internet forums. Primary goal of a troll is not to express his opinion but to bait other users into an emotional response.

3. Creative Trolling.

Trolling by itself is usually a prerogative for 13year olds, since it lacks necessary sophistication for any intellectual person. Some people approach this situation by enhancing trolling message in a following innovative way.

Example: Today is Friday. All of you are asshоles.

As you can see typical message consists of 2 parts. First one is one or two sentences that are either a general knowledge or a reiteration of a message posted right above in the same thread. Only after that comes usual trolling part.

Using this approach has several important advantages. If the message is removed, troll can always say that it is a blatant violation of his Freedom of Speech rights that in turn provides a nice continuation with many emotional responses. If the message is not removed, another person steps up who is deeply offended by the second part of the message and demands stricter Censorship on the forum. If there is nobody who is ready to take this part, it is often played by a companion troll.

The whole play was practiced so often on this forum that prompted creation of two independent political movements. I believe one of them is called "Trolls and Spammers for Freedom of Speech" and another one is "Democrats Overseas for Censorship. What you CAN say about Argentina" . Since this is a small expat community, you are likely to meet people from both organizations.

4. Offtopic.

Example: Yesterday on this very spot all the day was sitting a cat.

This site is about and for expats living in Argentina. If your message is not related to general interest of the group then in some situations it may not be accepted. It does not mean that everything published here has to be about Argentina only. Many expats are interested in world politics, economy and culture in general, for example. However, if you decide to share details about your personal life, in many cases it should rather belong to your own weblog than here. You are welcome to write about yourself and your life but in a manner that many site visitors, not just you, can relate to it. For example, you are welcome to describe your relationships with your Argentine husband or wife in a way that makes it interesting to many intercultural couples, but if you want to tell everybody how you first met your wife in Ireland 30 years ago - this site is not an appropriate place for it, you may be better to publish it on your own site or write a novel.
Offtopics are not considered harmful and it is often difficult to draw a line between what is relevant and what is not, so use your own judgement on that.

...I think that covers pretty much everything, but this list may be updated eventually...

Example: Yesterday on this very spot all the day was sitting a cat.
LOL when I read this.
Am I to take it then that we will not be having an excats site? Whatabout a new thread for anything off topic: La silla de gato?
PS sorry Igor just could not resist.

__________________
To conceal Ignorance is to increase it (Gandhi)
http://tangogales.wordpress.com/

So, I don't mean to be a crybaby whiner pants, but sometimes I wonder if some of the threads could use a bit more moderation.

Sometimes when I am looking for information on a certain topic or trying to gather information myself I run into a lot really uncalled for comments. I am not trying to diminish anyone's freedom of speech but there's so much non-constructive criticism going on here. I admit that sometimes I even get sarcastic and say mean things because of somebody else's comments. It's not really helpful for anyone.

So are you asking for people to delete your posts ? I don't get it.

Well, yes.

I am saying that sarcastic and mean posts just create a bad atmosphere. I have the best of intentions but sometimes there are posts that are very distracting and not at all necessary and sometimes I get caught up in the negativity myself. So yeah, if I say something that's out of line it should probably be deleted.

This is the problem with freedom of speech. Sometimes people say things that might upset you. That's something you will just have to learn to live with. Also the ignore function is helpful.

I am not really upset by the things people say. I think I am more annoyed. What annoys me is that often times I open a thread hoping to learn more and all I do is end up reading a bunch of nonsense. But so be it, I guess thats also what makes it more interesting.

I do that pretty much every time I use the Internet

lol that's the conclusion I came to, it's all just a mess out there. Guess there's nothing we can do about it but hope that people can have their own sense of moderation.

The Ignore function is great. Often the most prolific posters are highly predictable and not too interesting, so placing them in the Ignore list keeps the board uncluttered.

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If you tell the truth, you don’t have to remember anything.